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The term "never events" refers to particularly shocking medical errors that should never happen if proper safety procedures are followed. These incidents typically involve serious consequences for patients and stem from a failure in the healthcare system's processes.

Unintended retention of a foreign object and wrong site surgery are classic examples of never events, as they are both serious mistakes that can cause significant harm to patients and are entirely preventable with proper protocols in place. Patient falls during treatment may also fall under this category depending on circumstances, particularly if they are the result of neglecting safety protocols.

In contrast, minor surgical mistakes do not typically meet the criteria for never events. While they can still lead to adverse patient outcomes, they are generally considered less severe in nature and may result from complications that can occur even with the best care. Thus, they are not classified in the same category as the more egregious errors defined as never events. This distinction underlines the focus on critical errors that healthcare institutions must prioritize in their safety protocols to improve patient outcomes.